Intensive Outpatient Programs: A Basic Guide

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program or IOP is a program that acts as a primary treatment plan that is recommended after either a professional clinical or medical assessment. This treatment option is suggested to those who:

Do not require a medically supervised detox

Already underwent a medically supervised detox and need part time assistance and support in continuing their therapies

Even though this therapy option is part time, it is still an intensive treatment. Using an intensive outpatient program allows patients to receive recovery help in the comfort of their own community. This is an option which avoids the patient living away in a rehabilitation center.

If a patient is required to have a detox initially, the patient will have to undergo the detox before starting an IOP program. However, patients in this position are still encouraged to reach out to their future South Florida IOP programs, so they can receive vital information about their counseling needs and treatment path.

What can be expected in an IOP program? What is it like?

Typically, in an IOP program, patient services are administered through group therapy. However, patients will also receive individual and less frequent individual therapy sessions, scheduled on a weekly basis. These group therapies are small, often around 10 people or less. A safe and supportive environment is created to help patients feel welcomed and open to the experience. A program may take on average 10 to 12 hours a week, allowing for the participants to maintain the activities of their daily lives. This is dependent upon the selected South Florida IOP program and the patient’s situation and circumstances.

Therapies are customized to the patient. Treatments are dependent upon what the patient is being treated for. To find out more information about your local South Florida IOP treatment program, you’ll need to contact the center’s office to understand what type of therapy they offer for specific conditions. This can help to provide a better sense of what potential patients can expect for treatment.

It is natural to feel intimidated when it comes to having a new experience. The therapies provided in IOP, however, area meant to provide a level of comfort to ensure patients have a safe go-to environment.

IOP programs encourages patients to participant in the 12-step program. It is a very effective program option, which helps patients to overcome problems which may arise with substance abuse. Peer support is extremely important in a patient’s recovery process.

What does IOP provide treatment for?

Intensive Outpatient Programs help to treat those suffering with problems involving:

Eating disorders

Depression

Self-harm

Suicidal tendencies

Chemical dependency

Relapse issues

It is important to get in touch with your South Florida IOP center. These centers are able to offer patients skills to prevent relapse and in handling urges and cravings. IOP programs aim to educate patients on managing their problems, as well as understanding the brain chemistry involved in specific issues, and how the progression of a disease or disorder can affect recovery and everyday living.